SoCal Applied Wing Chun Academy

About Us:

The SoCal Applied Wing Chun Academy team understands your goals and learns how to translate them into success through Kung Fu. Your instructors break down and explain core concepts then tie everything back into applications for you. While learning how to achieve goals, you’ll also learn how to apply your lessons to real life situations. SoCal Applied Wing Chun Academy is proudly associated with the International Applied Wing Chun Federation and certifies our instructors under Grandmaster Duncan Leung to ensure top-quality kung fu.

Our History:

SoCal Applied Wing Chun Academy was inspired by the teachings of Grandmaster Duncan Leung and the Ip Man lineage. Initially, owner Donald Presto embarked on a personal journey of growth, deeply rooted in his Kung Fu principles. Through martial arts training, he was able to grasp effective methods for setting and achieving goals. Although he was a passionate martial artist as a child, he later became a Marine officer and pilot. Upon retiring, however, he returned to his roots and is now living out his passion through SoCal Applied Wing Chun Academy. Today, SiFu Don’s primary goal is to watch his students grow and thrive through the lessons he imparts.

SiFu Donald Presto

Owner / Head Instructor

My martial arts journey began at 13, seeking confidence in a world of boxing, Judo, and Karate. Discovering Wing Chun at Duncan Leung’s school ignited a passion. Under his guidance I progressed, in learning Wing Chun principles, concepts and techniques and was approved to teach classes. A pivotal moment came in 1987 when I practiced Wing Chun with students in Taiwan, solidifying my dedication to a martial arts journey.

While serving as a pilot in the Marines, I reunited with SiFu Duncan, learning his methods of Applied Wing Chun.These principles of Applied Wing Chun became a cornerstone of my life, guiding me through dangerous missions and earning me numerous distinguished combat awards. In 2009, I began sharing my knowledge through teaching classes, culminating in the opening of SoCal Applied Wing Chun Academy in 2017. Assisting ambitious students discover confidence and growth through Wing Chun continues to be a valuable use of my time.

David Leung

Assistant Instructor

My martial arts journey began with a quest for practical self-defense. Early attempts with Wing Chun fell short, but in 2010, I discovered Applied Wing Chun (AWC). Training under Sifu Donald Presto and Sigung Duncan Leung, I delved deep into this system, uncovering a holistic approach that extended far beyond physical combat.

AWC instilled mental strength, discipline, and confidence, transforming it from a skill to a lifestyle. Today, my greatest satisfaction comes from guiding others on their own AWC journeys, helping them unlock their potential and embrace a stronger, more empowered version of themselves.

Charles Yang

Assistant Instructor

Six years ago, my martial arts journey took an exciting turn. After exploring Aikido and Taekwondo, I felt a yearning for something more complete. That’s when I discovered Applied Wing Chun.

What initially drew me in was its comprehensiveness. Here was a system that seamlessly blended offense and defense, internal power with external technique, and even weaponry, all focused on real-world application. It was a revelation! Every session unveils new layers of understanding, principles, and applications – a truly limitless learning experience.

But Wing Chun became more than just a martial art. It ignited a passion within me to share this knowledge. Witnessing students embark on their own journeys, similar to mine, and discover their confidence and growth through Applied Wing Chun – that’s the most rewarding experience. It’s a privilege to be part of their evolution, just as my own teachers played such a crucial role in mine.

We believe that children are the key to a better society, and therefore, we are dedicated to helping them become leaders for the future.

Our mission is to enhance youths’ health and fitness by providing top-notch team-building skills and a comprehensive martial arts learning experience through Wing Chun Kung Fu.

In particular, our students learn to:

• Problem solve through individual effort, coupled with team encouragement, and the utilization of leadership skills.

• Help other students attain defensive skills that use efficient movement against personal attacks

• Control fear and anxiety during stressful situations and respond at the appropriate level

• Develop strength, speed, agility, improved hand-eye coordination, and flexibility.

Use Wing Chun for self-defense and to protect those you love.

Legend has it that Wing Chun was created by a woman to empower the average person to defend against a bigger, stronger attacker. Consequently, it can be learned in a relatively short amount of time and proves effective for people of all sizes and ranges of physical ability.

Furthermore, Wing Chun is an effective martial art specifically designed for your personal preservation and safety in extreme situations.

Our self-defense techniques focus on reconditioning your body’s natural reactions for efficiency and power. These techniques are executed through instantaneous reflexes and are reinforced by targeted training drills.

Moreover, the art of Wing Chun is more than just self-defense; it represents a complete mind and body training system.

Looking for a more personalized training experience? At SoCal Applied Wing Chun Academy, our Private Sessions offer one-on-one instruction tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Whether you’re a beginner seeking foundational skills or an advanced student refining techniques, our private lessons provide the focused attention and flexibility needed to help you progress at your own pace. Additionally, with convenient scheduling options, our skilled instructors are prepared to support your martial arts journey every step of the way. Furthermore, our personalized approach ensures that you receive the guidance necessary to reach your full potential in Wing Chun.

To learn more about scheduling and pricing, go to our membership page. Start your personalized training experience today and take the first step towards achieving your martial arts goals!